The Caretakers

[Barry Richardson]

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For your amusement. Not sure where to post this, Has turning, carving, and flatwork. In the works for over a year, off and on. 32"x22" Probably over 100 hours in it, but I didn't keep track. The bee bodies and pupae are Desert Ironwood. Lower bee body; Ash and Bubinga, Walnut wings. the legs; carved and black lacquered. The comb is Redgum Eucalyptus with a weathered natural edge. It was a bit dificult to photograph, hoping to get some better ones. I titled it "The Caretakers". Oh yea, the frame is Africian Mahogany and the back field is q-sawn sugar pine. Cheers!

[Jim Underwood]

Oh look! The bees are playing Settlers of Catan! :D

Seriously, that's pretty awesome. I love the pupae being spheres that show heart and sapwood. Very good work, you've captured it all so well...

[Marty Eargle]

That is a masterful piece! So much to look at and admire. The dimension in the "comb" really makes the piece, as well as the dead of proportions of the bees.

Excellent work! The time and sweat put into it really shows.

[Steve Kennedy]

WOW. Great work. You don't see something like that too often. That is exceptional!!

[Ted Calver]

Amused..and amazed! This is a wonderfully creative and beautifully executed piece.

[Scott Lux]

That is Amazing!!! As a hobby bee-keeper, I WANT THAT!!!!

[Curt Fuller]

That's just incredible!

[Bernie Weishapl]

Just beautiful.

[Rick Markham]

That's absolutely incredible! Amazing work!!!

[Steve Vaughan]

That's a beautiful example of art! Love the creativity, absolutely fantastic.

[Roger Chandler]

That is fine artwork! I hope you meant that piece as a wall hanging............that would be a stunning display of artisans creativity and skill..........just beautifully done!

[Hayes Rutherford]

Barry,your work is very unique and extremely well done. Wow

[Baxter Smith]

Great work Barry! This is so unique I am curious as to what sent you in this direction. I checked out your homepage and you do lots of great work in different areas!

[Kathy Marshall]

Wow! That is just awesome Barry! A wonderful work of art! It is so unique and creative and all of the parts work very well together. It must be even better in person.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Very impressive work Barry! Love the imagination and recognize the skill it took to create this! Very very cool! Thanks for sharing!

[Barry Richardson]

Thanks for all the positive feedback! Yes, it's meant to be wall hung. Just haven't hung it yet cause it weighs almost 20 lbs. As far as the inspiration for it, I started out with a repeating pattern idea, i.e. the honeycomb pattern, then later decided; why not put some bees on it. Everything I make seems to be an evolution, and also driven by the wood I have on hand. I'm entering it in a "wood Art" show at the Tempe Center for the Arts, along with a few other pieces, wont know if it gets picked up for a few weeks... Thanks again!

[John Keeton]

Barry, just now getting to this one - impressive!!! Very well done, great conceptual idea and the piece exhibits a wide range of artistic skills and innovation. You should do very well with this one. Good luck on the exhibit.

[Michelle Rich]

very cool art piece. Glad bees are getting a better rep!